In two weeks or less I’ll be giving birth for the second time. Going through intense labor, coping through contractions, maybe screaming, probably crying (all before I get an epidural of course) pushing, and finally, welcoming another beautiful child into our family.

And guess what? I want a photographer there capturing it all.

I’ll admit I’m not the most private person in the world. I’ve shared both my pregnancies from pre-conception to well past birth on my blog. So I don’t mind having an extra person in the delivery room. My husband on the other hand, well, he’s on the other side of the fence. —More like the other side of the world when it comes to his opinion on this sort of thing.

With our first child we agreed: No doulas, photographers, or anyone extra in the room. Just us. My mom was welcome during the labor process, but when it was time to push we asked her to wait outside until I delivered the baby and she was safely in our arms.

A photographer came a little later and took pictures of our new family in the hospital. This was after we were all a little more rested and freshened up. And you know what? I treasure those pictures to this day. But I can’t help but want to take things a step further this time and capture the birth.

I don’t mean lights flashing, paparazzi buzzing down at my crotch as the baby is crowning. That’s definitely not the angle we’re going for here. I’m talking photo-journalistic documentation of a beautiful moment where I’m bringing life into the world. That’s kind of a big deal.

See, we are Team Green this time, and have no idea if this baby is a boy or a girl. This also may be our last baby (if my husband gets his way). And the one regret I know I’d have after having my kids is not having any visual tie to the memory of their birth. Yea, ok so I missed my chance with my first, but now’s my chance to rectify that fact.

I can’t wait to see the look on my face, and my husband’s face, when we find out if this baby is a boy or a girl. In the flesh! It’s one thing “remembering” what it was like, but it’s a different thing entirely when you have photographic testimony to how it was. Once the drugs subside, adrenaline leaves, and the years pass, I’ll still have those photos.

Maybe it’s because I’m a journalist. By nature, I want to capture big moments, and aside from my wedding, this is pretty much the biggest moment of my life.

After much begging, pleading, and bribing, my husband agreed to let me hire a birth photographer. There are some stipulations. For one, the photos are for us, so I can’t plan on blogging them (though some photos taken later of our daughter meeting the baby, and other family photos later he is ok with).

He still doesn’t quite understand my desperation for wanting one, but I’m hoping once he sees the photos it’ll all make sense.

Do you want a birth photographer? Why or why not?

Jennifer is a news anchor and reporter by day and a blogger and wannabe domestic diva by night. She’s a mom 24/7 to a two year old daughter and baby No. 2 on the way. For more from Jennifer, follow @BabyMakingMama on Twitter and Pinterest and read more from her at BabyMakingMachine.com.

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Do whatever you want. To me, this was the most spiritual event of my life and it might be great for others to experience it through you. It’s your life and baby. You own that and no one else.

Lisa

I thought you were crazy until I saw your picture. You are beautiful, go for it.

http://YZYDX2 Ridley No. l

It had not occurred to me…… but then my children are grown….. Still, could not bring myself to do it even now. I’m a very private person, and would want the birth to be private, to be shared only with the husband. And yet, I admire you for wanting to share it with your family, friends but with the public – that I just don’t know…….. I’m rather a bitch when it comes to pain – can just imagine crying and yelling all over again which is what happened years ago, giving birth. Anyway – all the best!

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Oh I won’t be sharing these photos. That’s one stipulation my husband and I have… They will be just for us to enjoy. Of course if there are some well after the actual birth that are appropriate, I may share a few.

Liz

Labour with my first baby was awful, it was long and traumatic and I don’t even like the couple of pictures of me when I had just had him as its just not something I want to remember! So this is definitely not something I would do, but each to their own and if it is something you would enjoy afterwards then why not!

http://www.weatheranchormama.com Stacy-Ann Gooden

My hubby was my photog. My mom and he stayed with me throughout the entire labor and delivery. This time it will just be the two of us, while my mom watches over Princess. I feel the exact same way you do. Maybe it’s the journalist in us. lol. The only difference- I focused more on crotch shots as the baby was coming out. Those pics are in a special places, only to be seen by us.

http://www.thefeministbreeder.com The Feminist Breeder

I had a birth photographer for my last one, and I treasure those pictures so very much. I only wish I’d had a photog for the first two. I would hire a photographer a hundred times over.

Katherine

I would generally say no, but my husband might be deployed next time, so I can imagine that in that situation I might so that he could share in the experience.

Marci

Have you spoken to your hospital about this already? I think that’s why we see so many homebirthing women using birth photographers – there aren’t a whole list of pictures that can’t be taken, shots that have to be omitted or submitted to the hospital, etc etc….

It’s something to prep for ahead of time. I’ve had one hospital birth and one homebirth, and the hospital was all about “you may NOT take this sort of shot, from this sort of angle, with the doc in a certain profile, must submit ALL pictures to the hospital for approval before being able to take it home etc etc”. TOTAL BUMMER! Our homebirth? NO issues whatsoever having pics taken

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Definitely something moms should think about Marci! Yes, luckily my hospital and OB is very open to this, and doesn’t have restrictions with still photos. Does sound like a perk to homebirthing though.

Shay S.

I had a photographer for my first child a few months ago. It was the best money I ever spent! Again, the best money I ever spent!

I didn’t think I’d love it as much going into it. But, I figured at least is I chose to do it and I ended up regretting it, I just wouldn’t do it again for future births. But if I didn’t do it, and regretted my choice, I’d never get to do the birth over. It’s a once in a lifetime moment, just like your child’s first day of school, graduation, or wedding. I love the photos. Seeing my husbands face the moment she was born. And, our parents’ faces the first time they laid eyes on her. They are wonderful moments that we now have forever and I love looking back on. Also, I have to say I’m pretty modest, but in labor I didn’t even notice someone snapping pictures (We had a wonderful photographer! It was Beautiful Beginnings in Cincinnati.) I think birth photography is awesome!

Sandra

we sorta managed this by puting our video camera on a tripod. It caught the entire birth and much of the labor too. It was very important to me. I’m not sure about hiring a birth photographer, but giving a close personal friend that we know very well and both feel comfortable with my (great!) camera to use, well, that I think we might go for. I’ll have to talk to the ob about the video and photos. Our first was a homebirth (totaly freedom to capture whatever we want) and our second is in a hospital this time. good idea for me to bring it up with her next visit.

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

I’m wondering if I can somehow get video this way too, but I don’t want to push my luck. I’d love to hear how we sound when we meet baby. Maybe strap a camera to my head? 😉

Denise

Well, I would not hire a birth photographer but that is just me. I don’t want anyone taking pictures of my vajayjay but again, that’s just me. If it is something that YOU want to do, go for it. I would not let anyone’s viewpoint stand in my way if it was something that I really, truly wanted to do. And in fact, it’s not even anyone’s business.

http://www.birthbootcamp.com Shannon

My last birth I had two photographers and a videographer. It was totally the papparazzi! Best decision EVER and would do it again. I looked like a rock star because I had pros behind the camera(s). My previous birth I had a birth photographer and I was glad too, although she didn’t show up until pushing. My birth story, tons of photos, and the video are here: http://blog.simplebaby.com/?page_id=268

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Thanks so much for sharing! Wow, your story and photos are amazing! And I sorta “know” your videograher! I’ve chatted with her before about her work, so awesome you used her, she’s amazing!

Amy

I had a home birth and had it photographed, it was my forth and last birth and I’m so grateful to be able relive that moment through pictures. I still get a little teary when I watch the slide show. May not be right for everyone but definitely a great choice for us!

Mandy

Shannon, what a beautiful birth story! I will be a first time mother and your story makes me want a similar experience. Why do women deal with the hospital when they could deliver in the comfort of their own home? Very touching.

Chris

I had a birth photographer for my second and will do it again for any future children! It was awesome! I am pretty personal and only really wanted my husband there at the birth but the photographer was really like a fly on the wall and I didn’t notice her at all. She actually knitted a hat for baby while I was in labor! I loved being able to share the pics with family and friends who wanted to be there but who I didn’t want in the actual room. They loved feeling like they were a part of it. Here is my video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VBKcmxwNiI8

Lisa S

The one thing I wanted more than anything with the birth of our first child was a birth photographer. I cleared it with the doctor & hospital months before hand. I made a printed photo-book of the event and it’s one of my favorite items. I figured, I’d be drugged up and in enough pain that I wouldn’t remember everything and having those pictures to look at is something I’ll always treasure.

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Exactly my thoughts… I’ll either be in pain and forget stuff, or on drugs and forget stuff. And even things you don’t forget it’s nice to have photos of. Your book sounds beautiful.

http://www.longonlove.com Kasey

I absolutely want one, but I haven’t been working since January so funds are very limited. That and the birth photographer I contacted is way over budget even if I was still working. I am very bummed about it because I would LOVE these photos. I think they are very special and are worth every penny … just wish I could afford it!

Anne

It sounds like you’re just having a hard time describing to your husband why you want a birth photographer. I guess I would ask him why he doesn’t. You can meet the photographer before hand and make sure you like her and see examples of her work so he can get a better sense of why photography of birth can be beautiful. I think men have a hard time understanding artistic things sometimes. I assume he’s not opposed for religous reasons or anything like that. After that, you’re giving birth, I think you get to decide!

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Thanks Anne, yes it took a nice good conversation about what he was worried about and how we could compromise for him to agree. He’s still a little skeptical but at least willing now. I’m hoping he’ll be happy with the end result!

Wendy

This is the first time I’m hearing of birth photography and I think it sounds AMAZING! Especially since you’re Team Green! The example you show us does not seem revealing at all so I hope your hubby changes his mind and let’s us see at least one of these pictures! Yay!

Wendy

But wait, no rollers this time then, huh? LOL 😉

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Haha, hopefully I can get one approved to share 😉 and NO! I was thinking about that.. I don’t think I’ll want rollers in for these pics. hahaha. We’ll see, they are packed in my hospital bag just in case!

Angeline

I had the opportunity to have a birth photographer for the birth of our little girl. And you better believe I will have the same birth photographer if we get our way and are blessed with a third! Those pictures are cherished just as much as our wedding day pictures. My husband was skeptical at first too. I’m a labor and delivery nurse so I didn’t need much convincing when my photographer approached us about it. After my husband saw the pictures, he’s completely on board to have her in the room the next time around. It’s helped that our photographer is pretty amazing too

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

I’m so happy to hear your husband loved them once he saw them! That is what I’m looking forward to… Him loving them as much as I know I will.

Angeline

Also… There aren’t pictures of your “vajayjay” or vagina or whatever else you want to call it. You see more in a Victoria secret magazine than you would see in the pictures I received from my photographer. So much so I was able to share my pictures comfortably with my in laws without them or me feeling the least bit embarrassed.

http://Www.jenniferwakefieldphotography.com Jennifer W

I am one and have also had one of my births photographed. Most AMAZING experience ever. Through the images, I was able to see my husbands reactions that I completely missed while focused on my labor. I was also able to recall more of my labor by having the images. These aren’t pictures we have displayed for all to see, but they are images I will treasure for always! I am really bummed that my birth in November wasn’t captured, but all the photographers I trusted (huge thing, trust your photographer), were 4+ hours away.

http://babymakingmachine.com Jennifer Borget

Yes, I definitely trust my photographer, that was a biggie too. I don’t think I could have hired a stranger.

Not Really

Absolutely, go for it. Everyone else will busy at the most important moment, when your little one pops out. You can edit as you see fit after. So wish my daughter had this, especially for the second one, no one caught big sister’s excitement as her little brother arrived. We remember her elation, squeals of glee, jumping up and with joy, but no footage … how I would love her to relive that sheer happiness when she is older.

All the best for you and you little one!

http://www.jessiefultzphotography.com Jessie Fultz

I’m 2 years too late to the party, but I just had to jump on here and say that I truly hope your photos turned out just how you dreamt they would! I am a birth photographer and it made me so happy to read a mother’s perspective BEFOREHAND actually experiencing it! ❤️

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